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Here's the best way to talk to your child about sex

Dad to his 10-year-old: "Son, I want to discuss sex with you." Son: "Sure, tell me what you want to know." It would have been funny had it not been so worrying. The information boom has opened a minefield of misplaced details about sex for our children, which is why it's important to start the conversation early. So, how do you do that without either of you looking for cover? Here are a few tips:

1. Don’t preach: Let's face it; the age of birds and bees is long over. No matter how soon you start, chances are, your tween would have accessed some information about sex already. So, as the first sexual educator (after the internet, of course) in your child's life, it's important that you have a friendly chat with him, dispelling the misinformation without outrightly discarding it.

2. Don't scare the child: While it's important to tell your child about the risks involved, such as contracting STDs and unwanted pregnancy, what's equally needed is to not pass on too much info too soon, lest you end up scaring them. Also, answer their queries with an open mind, no matter how embarrassing.

3. Begin with basics: Though there can’t be a specific way to breach the topic, it’s important that when you initiate, you start with the basics, such as puberty and the reproductive system, before moving to sexual intercourse. And if your kid happens to ask how they arrived, take it as a window of opportunity; don’t act shocked. Use media such as educational videos and pictures if needed.

4. Keep the conversation going: Don’t limit it to a few sit-down sessions. Instead, make the discussion part of your everyday conversations, taking off from a clip on television or a newspaper article.

5. Be confident about your information: There will be moments of embarrassment; deal with those with grace. If you don’t want to answer a particular question at a certain time or are unsure about the answer, tell your child that you will get back, and then do so.